Obesity: Evidence-Based Care on Prevention and Management – A gLOCAL Solution Room
On 2 June 2026, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, and community advocates from across the globe came together virtually for the gLOCAL Solution Room titled “Obesity: Evidence-Based Care on Prevention and Management.” The event formed part of the internationally acclaimed JBI gLOCAL Solution Room 2026 initiative, aimed at translating evidence into meaningful local action to address pressing public health challenges.
The event was jointly organised by the JBI Evidence-Based Practice Research Group (Ghana), JBI Evidence-Based Indigenous Health (India), and the JBI Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre (South Africa). Through a rich exchange of experiences, research findings, and practical solutions, participants explored the growing burden of obesity and identified pathways for implementing evidence-based interventions in diverse settings.
A Global Health Challenge Demanding Local Solutions
Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century. Affecting people across age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographical regions, obesity contributes substantially to the burden of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health conditions.
The Solution Room highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action that bridges the gap between research evidence and real-world practice. By bringing together experts from Africa, Asia, and beyond, the event demonstrated how global knowledge can be adapted to local contexts to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities.
Opening the Dialogue
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks and introductions from distinguished leaders in evidence-based healthcare. Participants were introduced to the global mission of JBI and the collaborative efforts of its affiliated centres working to strengthen evidence implementation worldwide.
The opening session set the tone for a day dedicated to knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical problem-solving.
Understanding the Burden of Obesity
The first technical session examined the epidemiology and societal impact of obesity across different populations and regions.
Speakers presented evidence on the prevalence of obesity among adults, the cultural and social dimensions of obesity in African communities, and emerging concerns among Indigenous populations in India. Discussions also explored the unique challenges associated with obesity during pregnancy among adolescents and young women in South Africa.
These presentations underscored the complex and multifactorial nature of obesity, highlighting how social determinants, cultural norms, economic conditions, and healthcare access influence both risk and outcomes.
Prevention Through Lifestyle Interventions
A central theme throughout the event was the importance of prevention and early intervention.
Experts shared evidence from systematic reviews and implementation studies demonstrating the effectiveness of lifestyle-based approaches to obesity prevention and management. Presentations emphasised the role of healthy nutrition, physical activity, behavioural support, and community engagement in reducing obesity risk.
The session also highlighted the critical role of physiotherapists and other allied health professionals in supporting sustainable weight management. Particular attention was given to the importance of encouraging physical activity among children and adolescents to establish lifelong healthy habits.
The discussions reinforced the message that obesity prevention requires coordinated efforts involving families, schools, healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities.
Exploring the Economic and Human Impact
One of the most impactful segments of the programme focused on the economic consequences of obesity and the lived experiences of individuals affected by the condition.
Experts presented evidence illustrating the substantial healthcare costs associated with obesity-related diseases, as well as the broader social and economic implications for families, employers, and national health systems.
Equally powerful were patient perspectives that highlighted the everyday challenges faced by individuals living with obesity. These insights reminded participants that effective obesity care must be person-centred, compassionate, and free from stigma.
The combination of scientific evidence and lived experience provided a comprehensive understanding of the issue and reinforced the need for holistic approaches to prevention and management.
Strengthening Global Collaboration
A defining feature of the gLOCAL Solution Room was its emphasis on collaboration across borders and disciplines.
The event created a platform for researchers, clinicians, educators, and public health professionals to exchange ideas, learn from diverse experiences, and identify opportunities for future partnerships. Participants discussed strategies for adapting evidence-based interventions to local contexts while maintaining scientific rigour and cultural relevance.
By fostering dialogue between experts from different regions, the Solution Room demonstrated the value of collective action in addressing complex health challenges.
From Evidence to Community Action
As the programme concluded, speakers reflected on the importance of translating research findings into policies, programmes, and clinical practices that can improve population health.
The event reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening evidence-based approaches to obesity prevention and management, while ensuring that interventions remain accessible, equitable, and responsive to community needs.
The discussions highlighted a common vision: a future where scientific evidence informs decision-making at every level, empowering communities to lead healthier lives and reducing the growing burden of obesity worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The success of the gLOCAL Solution Room on obesity demonstrated the power of global collaboration in advancing evidence-informed healthcare. Through meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and a focus on practical implementation, the event contributed to ongoing efforts to address one of the world’s most pressing public health concerns.
As participants return to their respective institutions and communities, the insights generated during the event will continue to inform research, policy, and practice. More importantly, they will help transform evidence into action—creating healthier environments and stronger health systems for future generations.
About the Event
Event: Obesity: Evidence-Based Care on Prevention and Management – A gLOCAL Solution Room
Date: 2 June 2026
Format: Virtual
Organisers: JBI Evidence-Based Practice Research Group (Ghana), JBI Evidence-Based Indigenous Health (India), and JBI Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre (South Africa)
Together, participants reaffirmed a simple but powerful message: addressing obesity requires evidence, collaboration, and action—and every community has a role to play.